Broward County One Community Partnership Children’s Services Administration Division in collaboration with the Children’s Services Council of Broward was nationally recognized for achievement in communications at the 2008 Excellence in Community Communications and Outreach (ECCO) Recognition Program, which took place on July 18 in Nashville, Tenn. The ECCO Recognition Program highlights communications achievements that promote children’s mental health.

Broward County One Community Partnership won the Bronze Award in Partnership Development for its Cross Systems Training that is provided to new employees entering the System of Care (SOC). Training is offered in the areas of Behavioral Health pertaining to Children, Youth, Family and Adult Services. Various SOC providers train employees in various systems such as Child Welfare, School System, Department of Children and Families, Department of Juvenile Justice, Community Mental Health and Primary Health, etc. The training provides knowledge and current referral sources to new employees and supports the behavioral health needs of children, youth and their families in our community.

The ECCO Recognition Program is sponsored by the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services Program for Children and Their Families of the Federal Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It celebrates the talents, strengths, and successes of communities that are part of a CMHS program to build community-based “systems of care” for children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families.

ECCOs were given in the following categories: Media Outreach; Community Outreach: Parents & Caregivers; Community Outreach: Children & Youth; Professional Outreach; Partnership Development; Communications Planning; Internal Communications; and local efforts conducted as part of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.

Broward County One Community Partnership competed with 60 entries submitted by mental health professionals and child advocates from across the country. All entries were peer-judged, and the criteria included consideration of planning, cultural competence/family involvement, message, execution, presentation, creativity, audience, effectiveness, and evaluation.

For more information about Broward County One Community Partnership contact Scott Silverman, Project Director at 954-497-1432 ext. 272.